Find Materials in the Stacks

Who?

If you have searched the online catalog and identified a book that you want to look at, you will need to know where that book is shelved.

What?

Non-fiction books at the OWHL are arranged according to the Dewey Decimal System.  The DDS is a classification scheme that organizes materials based on their subject.  Consequently, books about similar topics are located in proximity to each other.  The Dewey number (and an additional code called the Cutter Number) is on a label on the spine of the book.   This is called the “Call Number.”

When?

Anytime you need to find a fiction or non-fiction book at the OWHL by call number. 

Where? 

The circulating books are located on four levels of stacks and in the main area of the library.  Most Reference Books are shelved in the Garver Room.  Use this MAP  in combination with the book’s Call Number to find out where your book is located. Large maps are located throughout the library.

Why?

With a collection of this size, it would be impossible to find a particular book without a classification system.  Note:  Because Fiction books are arranged differently from non-fiction books, it is possible to browse fiction. Fiction is arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name, and is located on the main floor of the library (S2.)

How?

Search the catalog to identify items of interest   Make note of the call number(s) of books you want. (Note: The call number may be texted to your phone, so that you can retrieve it in the stacks.)